Yes, we admit it. We have an inexplicable love affair with South Africa. It must the fusion of exotic African wildlife and luxurious coastal culture topped with the refined accent. Straight to you from this faraway fantasy comes designer Bernice Angelique and her handbag line, Meant to B. Launched in 2011, the London-based designer fused her desire to combine luxury materials and inspiring native heritage to create the handcrafted, ostrich leather collection. Each piece is custom made by local artisans in Cape Town, South Africa with the option of embossed personalization. The collection includes styles from edgy clutches to practical (as ostrich can be) hobos and cross-body bags. In classic neutrals: black, silver, camel and bold hues: cobalt, magenta, red—we love that these opulent accessories can make a bold statement with any ensemble. And that’s not all; when you custom-create your style, there are over 400 shades to choose from along with choices for the bag’s interior and hardware. Prices start at about $850—a steal for personalized ostrich, right?!

Starr Clutch in Metallic Finished Silver; available at meanttob.com

 

Devi Kroell, previously of eponymous brand Devi Kroell, Inc., is by no means new to the handbag industry. After leaving the brand in 2010, the award-winning designer has embarked on a brand new venture creating must have pieces for her new line, Dax Gabler. According to Kroell, she “conceived Dax Gabler as an exclusive limited edition concept. It’s a tightly edited collection of pieces I feel strongly about.” The New York based designer has created a line made for every woman—well, every woman passionate about style but unwilling to sacrifice function. From the generous Dax Tote to the compact Drawstring Bag, the collection is ideal to mix and match. Travel throughout the day with a carryall tote, and then stash it for a complementary evening option. Even just one Dax Gabler tote will keep you completely glamorous. The collection oozes luxury in black and platinum python and calf leather, but our favorite statement piece is the Dax Shoulder in black python with neon yellow python contrast. It’s exactly what we need to stylishly stash our fashion week survival kits...6 days and counting!

Dax Shoulder in Black and Yellow Python; available at daxgabler.com

 

Paulien Wesselink is the kind of girl we are all aspiring to be: brilliant, creative, and inspired! With that oh-so-familiar quest for the perfect bag in mind, Wesselink set out to start a company that not only fulfilled that demand, but improved life in the process. Her environmentally and socially conscious approach led her to India to find her materials and manufacturers. She works with producers that are aligned with the World Fair Trade Organization. This means artisans who are protected by Fair Trade work in a healthy environment and for fair pay create every handcrafted O My Bag. These classy carryalls are definitely contenders for “the perfect bag”. Made with eco-leather that is tanned without the use of harmful chemicals, their luxurious feel rivals similar leather accessories and you can flaunt it with eco-friendly pride! The designs are simple and vintage inspired and the buckles and chain hardware give them an edgy twist. Even better—priced around $300 they are pretty affordable for us girls on a budget!

Frankie Fierce in Mid Brown; available at omybag.nl